Through regional planning, as well as other initiatives, Alberta is shifting to a more effective and efficient management system that considers the cumulative effects of all activities and improves integration across the economic, environmental and social pillars.

The cumulative effects of population growth and economic development in the regions are increasing pressures on the region's air, water, land and biodiversity. The Government of Alberta is committed to responsible development.

Regional plans define regional outcomes (economic, environmental and social) and a broad plan for land and natural resource use on public and private lands. For each regional plan, objectives are also established, along with the strategies and actions that will be used to achieve them.

Integrated monitoring, evaluation and reporting systems are essential to assess achievement of regional outcomes and objectives. These systems help determine the effectiveness of the regional plan and initiate corrective action where required.

Frameworks are a key approach to manage the long term cumulative effects of development on the environment at a regional level. Management frameworks can establish environmental limits and triggers for air quality, surface water and groundwater quality and quantity, biodiversity and land disturbance. Limits are clear boundaries in the system not to be exceeded.

The Environmental Monitoring Agency and the Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Program are joint undertakings among government, industry, academic, and non-governmental organizations to conduct environmental monitoring, evaluation and reporting. Information from these partnerships will be scientifically credible, accessible and open.

This site is prepared as an overview of land-use regional planning in Alberta. It is not a legal interpretation. Interested parties are encouraged to review the appropriate sections of the Alberta Land Stewardship Act, regional plans, related legislation and regulations. Refer to the Copyright and Disclaimer for terms of use.